Explore the Wonders of the West

Arches • Canyonlands • Capitol Reef — 5-Day National Parks Adventure

Trip Overview

A compact, awe-filled loop through Utah’s red-rock country. Fly into Salt Lake City or Grand Junction, base out of Moab, and soak in sunrise arches, endless canyon vistas, and star-studded skies. Perfect for couples or families who want short hikes, scenic drives, and epic photo spots.

5 Days

Flexible pacing

3 Parks

Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef

Light–Mod

Activity level

Year‑Round

Best: Apr–May, Sep–Oct

Highlights

Sunrise at windows and bridges, sunset on canyon rims, a night of Milky Way stargazing, and a day exploring the domes and orchards of Capitol Reef — plus the otherworldly Cathedral Valley if conditions allow.

Double Arch, Arches

$Canyonlands overlook$

Island in the Sky, Canyonlands

Capitol Reef Sunrise

Day‑by‑Day Itinerary

Day 1 — Arrive in Moab + Golden Hour Stroll

Moab check‑in • Park Avenue warm‑up walk • Early dinner

Fly in by midday and drive to Moab. Stretch your legs on the easy Park Avenue trail — towering sandstone walls on both sides — then settle in for dinner along Main Street.

Park Avenue

$Family in Arches$

Getting oriented

Red rock glow

Day 2 — Arches National Park

Windows Section • Double Arch • Optional Delicate Arch viewpoint

Catch sunrise around the Windows and Turret Arch, wander to Double Arch, and explore short spur trails and overlooks. Keep the day flexible and photogenic.

Windows at sunrise

Double Arch

Moab sunset vibes

Tip: Midday heat? Take a siesta and return for golden hour; Arches glows at dusk.

Day 3 — Canyonlands: Island in the Sky

Mesa Arch sunrise • Grand View Point • Stargazing after dark

Drive 40 minutes to Canyonlands for big‑view overlooks and short rim walks. Sunset and blue hour are spectacular; if skies are clear, stay for the Milky Way.

$Canyonlands overlook$

Island in the Sky

Golden hour cliffs

Stargazing

Day 4 — Capitol Reef National Park

Hickman Bridge • Fruita orchards • Cathedral Valley (optional)

Head to Capitol Reef for sunrise at Hickman Bridge and a mellow day around Fruita’s historic district. If road conditions are good, tack on the adventurous Cathedral Valley loop.

$Hickman Bridge$

Hickman Bridge

Morning light

Cathedral Valley

Day 5 — Easy Morning + Depart

Coffee in Moab • Last viewpoints • Drive to airport

Enjoy a relaxed morning, pick a favorite overlook for a farewell scene, and drive back toward your departure airport.

One last overlook

Until next time

Logistics at a Glance

Bases: 3–4 nights in Moab; 1 night in Torrey (Capitol Reef) optional.
Rental Car: Standard SUV recommended for comfort; high‑clearance for Cathedral Valley.
Permits: None required for listed viewpoints and short trails.
Weather: Layering is key — large temp swings between day and night.